Meningitis in high school

Photo: Castanet Staff

A Kelowna high school student has been diagnosed with meningitis.

A letter emailed to parents last Friday states Interior Health has confirmed the case of Meningococcal Disease, a bacteria infection of the brain, and or, blood.

It is rare in Canada.

"The risk of transmission to the general school population related to this case is considered extremely
low. Even though the risk is low, Interior Health and Central Okanagan Public Schools want parents to
have information on the disease," the letter says.

The Communicable Disease Unit is following up with the student and their "close contacts," to reduce the risk of it spreading to others.

"Close contacts are people who have been in contact with the saliva (spit) of a person who is sick through things like kissing or sharing items like water bottles, cigarettes, joints, straws, e‐cigarettes, toothbrushes or any activity that involves “swapping spit.” You cannot catch this disease by being in the same room as a person with this illness and talking with them. The close contacts of this case have been contacted."

Some of the symptoms include, sudden fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, purplish rash, drowsiness, confusion or seizures.

Anyone with these symptoms should consult a doctor immediately.

Neither the school or student have been identified.